11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning
Calm, structured non-verbal reasoning practice.
Non-verbal reasoning uses shapes and patterns instead of words, and many children find it unfamiliar at first. I teach a simple, step-by-step way to break every puzzle down, then build confidence through regular non-verbal reasoning test practice in the real exam format.
Book an Introductory ConsultationWhat Is 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning?
11 plus non-verbal reasoning tests how well a child solves problems using shapes, patterns and diagrams. There are no words to read. Questions include completing a series, finding the odd one out, spotting analogies, solving matrices and codes, and imagining rotations, reflections, cubes and nets.
How It WorksSeries &
Sequences
Spot how shapes change from one box to the next.
Analogies &
Similarities
Find the shape that shares the same rule or relationship.
Codes &
Matrices
Crack shape codes and complete grids of patterns.
Spatial
Reasoning
Rotations, reflections, nets and 3D shapes.
Making Shapes Make Sense
About Kate
Non-verbal reasoning can look like a wall of shapes. Some children freeze, others guess fast and hope. Both habits cost marks.
Over 13 years of teaching I have found that children do best with one clear routine. We check one feature at a time, such as shape, size, colour, position and number, until the rule shows itself. Once that routine is automatic, most questions become far less daunting.
For spatial questions we use real paper, folding and cutting nets or rotating cut-out shapes, before moving to the page. Seeing it happen in their hands makes the picture questions click.
A Simple Habit That Works
Change one thing at a time. When children learn to check each feature in turn, a confusing grid of shapes turns into a simple checklist they can trust under pressure.
How NVR Tutoring Works
From the first unfamiliar puzzle to calm, timed practice, every stage is planned around your child.
1. Starting
Point
A short assessment shows which question types are strong and which need support.
2. Teach Each
Type
A clear routine for every question type, with hands-on examples.
3. Test
Practice
Mixed non-verbal reasoning test practice to build fluency.
4. Timed
Mocks
Full papers under exam conditions, reviewed together.
Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice at Home
Short, regular non-verbal reasoning practice at home makes a real difference between lessons. Ten minutes of puzzles three or four times a week does more than one long weekend session.
Away from the papers, everyday activities help too. Jigsaws, tangrams, building blocks, folding paper to make cubes and spot-the-difference puzzles all build the visual thinking that NVR tests reward. I will suggest the right mix for your child.
- Short practice sets set between lessons
- Hands-on activities for spatial skills
- Online lessons with shared, interactive diagrams
Non-Verbal Reasoning Question Types
These four types appear in most NVR papers. Each one gets its own method and plenty of practice.
Odd One
Out
Find the shape that breaks the rule the others follow.
Complete the
Series
Work out what comes next in a sequence of shapes.
Matrices
Fill the missing square in a grid of related patterns.
Cubes &
Nets
Decide which net folds into a cube, or which cube matches.
Non-Verbal Reasoning FAQs
Non-verbal reasoning is a section of many 11+ exams that uses shapes, patterns and diagrams instead of words. It tests logical thinking and visual problem-solving, including series, analogies, odd one out, matrices, codes and spatial reasoning.
Yes. Each question type follows a small number of rules about shape, size, colour, position, number and direction. Once a child learns to check these features in order, scores usually improve quickly.
Learn one question type at a time with a clear method, then mix types together, then add timing. Short, frequent sessions work better than occasional long ones.
Doing papers shows what a child can already do. Test practice with a tutor shows why mistakes happen and fixes the thinking behind them, so the same error does not repeat in the exam.
Yes. Spatial questions are often the hardest part of NVR. We use cut-out shapes, mirrors and paper nets before moving to diagrams, which helps children see the movement in their mind.
No. It depends on the school and region. Many grammar school tests and some independent schools include NVR, often alongside verbal reasoning, English and maths. Always check your target schools' entry details.
Begin the Journey
I keep a limited number of 11+ places each year. Get in touch to talk about your child's target schools and how non-verbal reasoning fits into their preparation.
Get in TouchPhone: 07463 519812
Location: West London | In-person and online sessions available